PUBLIC HEALTH: Meningococcal disease
FACT SHEET Neisseria meningitidis
What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal meningitis and meningococcemia are two forms of meningococcal disease. Meningococcal meningitis is an infection of the tissue (called the "meninges") that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Meningococcemia is an infection of the blood and may also involve other organs. Both of these illnesses are caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis.
What is Neisseria meningitidis?
Neisseria meningitidis is a bacterium that may be found throughout the community. About 5 to 20% of people carry these bacteria in their noses and throats and do not get sick from them. These people are called "carriers". In rare cases the bacteria may get into the blood or the tissue surrounding the spine and brain and cause severe illness.
How are the bacteria spread?
The bacteria are spread from person to person through saliva (spit). You must be in close contact with a sick person's saliva in order for the bacteria to spread. Close contact includes activities such as kissing, sneezing, coughing, sharing water bottles, sharing eating/drinking utensils, or sharing cigarettes with someone who is sick.
How is meningococcal disease diagnosed?
Persons showing signs and symptoms of illness are diagnosed by culturing their spinal fluid (meningitis) or blood (meningococcemia). It may take up to 72 hours to have test results. Sometimes a doctor can make an earlier diagnosis by looking at a person's spinal fluid under a microscope.
What are the signs and symptoms of illness?
Meningitis:
Signs and symptoms of meningitis include a sudden onset of a high fever, a stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, and/or mental contusion. Changes in behavior such as confusion, sleepiness, and being hard to wake up are important symptoms of this illness. A rash may be present, often involving the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. In babies, the only signs of this illness may be acting more tired than usual, acting more irritable than usual, and eating less than usual. Babies with meningitis will usually have a fever, but this is not a reliable sign of illness. Anyone who has these symptoms should contact their doctor right away.
Meningococcemia:
Signs and symptoms of meningococcemia include a sudden onset of fever, chills, and feeling unusually weak and tired. A rash may be present, often involving the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Anyone who has these symptoms should contact their doctor right away.
How are these illnesses treated?
Antibiotics are used to treat people with both (meningococcal) meningitis and meningococcemia. People who have had close contact with the sick person any time during the two weeks before she/he became ill may also need to take antibiotics. Preventive treatments of all close contacts should be implemented up to two weeks after onset of the first case but preferably as soon as possible within the first 24 hours.
Why do close contacts of a sick person need to be treated?
Close contacts of a person who has meningococcal disease are treated with antibiotics because the bacteria may be spread from the sick person to other people through contact with the saliva (spit) of the sick person. The antibiotics will kill the bacteria and prevent illness.
Is there a vaccine to protect me from getting sick?
There is a vaccine (shot) against meningococcal disease, but the shot is given only for travel or under certain conditions. Routine childhood shots with meningococcal vaccine are not recommended, and the shot is not known to be effective in children under 2 years of age. Shots are given to travelers who visit countries where meningococcal disease is very common and shots are given if there is an outbreak of meningococcal disease in a community.
What should I do if I have had contact with a person who has a meningococcal illness?
If you have had close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with a meningococcal illness you should call your health care provider and get an antibiotic. If you have had contact with an ill person, but have not had close contact, you should be aware of the symptoms of illness and contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
Are there times when I would not have to take antibiotics after close contact with a sick person?
Meningitis can be caused by different organisms, including other bacteria and viruses. Only certain types of meningitis require treatment of the sick person's close contacts. If you have questions about meningitis or your exposure to a sick person, contact your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your family doctor
Your local board of health
Listed in the telephone book under local government.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 305 South Street, Jamaica
Plain, Ma 02130
Epidemiology Program (617) 983-6800.
February 1997
Meningococcal Vaccine
Information